The Life of Ioannis Panagioti (John Peter) Venardos
I’ve been researching my ancestor Ioannis Venardos (John Peter Venardos), and I thought people here might appreciate his story because it really feels like the classic Kytherian immigrant experience.
John was born on 10 October 1872 on Kythera, from the Potamos/Karavas area. His parents were Panagiotis Benardos and Diamanta Kapsani. He only finished the 6th grade, but he still managed to build a successful life in America through hard work and persistence.
Before emigrating, he served in the Greek military as a corporal in the Grecian Marines and fought against the Turks. He was even wounded in the hip during one battle and hospitalized for a short time.
He came to America in 1900. Ellis Island records show he arrived at Ellis Island on August 16, 1900 aboard the La Bretagne after leaving Le Havre, France. His last residence was listed as “Serigo” (Kythera). He arrived single, 26 years old, with very little formal education and probably no idea what his future would look like.
After spending time in St. Louis, he moved to Alton and joined his brother Constantine “Gus” Venardos in the candy business. Eventually John became known around town simply as “John Venardos, the candy man.” His homemade chocolates, peanut bars, chocolate-covered peanuts, and Karmelkorn were apparently famous locally.
What I find interesting is that he wasn’t just a candy maker. Over the years he invested in property, opened new stores, and became a respected figure in the local Greek-American community. During WWII he even organized a Home Guard group of Greek-American men in Alton.
Even after all those years in America, he stayed connected to Kythera. In 1929 he traveled back to the island after the deaths of his parents and brother to deal with family property matters, and relatives from Greece continued visiting him in Illinois years later.
He married Edith “Eda” Hack in 1906 and had four children: Elizabeth, Dia, Homer, and Nestor.
John died in 1968, just a week before turning 96, and is buried at Alton City Cemetery.
